Title: Opposite Attraction - Chapter 6 Author: Blue Ice E-mail: Blue_IceSM@hotmail.com Rated: (G) Saturday came as quick as Serena had anticipated. She was just getting ready as the phone ringed. "Hello?" she answered. "Hi Serena! This is Rei. I just called to see if you're ready or not." Serena smiled into the phone. "I sure am. Just waiting for my dad to take me to your temple." Rei nodded her head. "Oh, there's a surprise I want to show everyone. So hurry and be on time." Serena became excitedly all of a sudden. "A surprise?!! Oh this is so cool. I'll be there in about 10 minutes ok?" "That's good. See ya." Serena almost jumped out of her dress. "I can't wait!!" Hanging up the phone, Serena rushed down stairs. "Dad, hurry!! I'm going to be late!" she hollered as she grabbed her new purse on the telephone stand and rushed out the door, followed by a sweat dropping Ken. "Have a good time sweetie." Ken said as he kissed Serena on the forehead. "I will dad. Oh and I guess I'll see you guys at the festival!" Serena pecked her dad's cheek before getting out of the car and running up the temple steps. When she reached the front door, everyone was already there. "Hi, you're just on time!" Lita chimed. "Hi guys. Oh I love your dresses." Serena smiled as everyone turned and showed off their new gowns. "So what's this surprise?" Mina asked Rei. "Well, I didn't think it would be proper for us to take the bus to such a fancy place. So.....I got a limo!" she finished with a grin as a black stretch limo pulled in front of the four shocked girls. "Ahhh! A limo! I never thought I'd ever get to ride in one of these." Serena jumped excitedly. "Good evening ladies. I am your chauffeur Chad, at your service." Chad bowed respectfully to the girls. "Chad! I don't believe this. How did you get to drive a limo??" Lita asked as she kissed his cheek. "Well, my uncle owns a limo service company. So I just borrowed this for tonight.....actually Rei made me." he looked up to Rei as she walked down the stairs. "At least for one night, we'll have the ride of the rich and famous." she winked and stood by the door. No one moved as they all watched Rei standing motionlessly by the limo. "Well open the door! Idiot!" she yelled at Chad. "Oh yes ma'am!" he scrambled to her side and held the door open. "Thanks." Lita and Mina said as they got in after Rei. Then followed by Ami and Serena. "Look at the interior. It's all leather." Ami observed as she opened a little compartment revealing a telephone. "Oh...and a mini bar. How convenient!" Lita giggled as she took out a bottle of wine. "Wine anyone?" she asked and pretended to serve it. "We're too young to drink. Nice try Lita." Mina smiled and looked out the tinted windows. "Let's make faces at people. They can't see us." she said as she stuck her tongue out at another car. Everyone just sweat dropped. "We're here!" Chad announced as they arrived at the restaurant. Once again he sat in his seat with his seatbelt still buckled. "Chad!! You're supposed to open the door for us. That's why you're the chauffeur." Rei hollered annoyingly. "Oh right." he laughed it off and got out of the limo. "Miss." he nodded politely as he took Rei's hand and helped her out, followed by the rest of the girls. "Wow....this is so awesome." Lita looked up to the 15 story hotel. "Come on guys. The restaurant is inside." Rei said as everyone followed her in. "So how did you ever get reservations at a place like this?" Serena asked as they walked down an elegant hallway. "Because the owner was once my father's best friend before he passed away." Rei smiled. "I don't even have to pay tonight." she grinned. "Goodness Rei. You're so lucky." Mina pouted. "How come none of my family knows anybody rich." "Good evening miss." a really handsome receptionist greeted. "Reservations?" he asked. Rei stepped up boldly and winked at him. "Yes. We're under the name Hino." she answered. The receptionist looked down to the list and a moment later looked up with a smile. "Ah. You're a personal guest of Mr. Kyoko's. Come this way." he gestured as the girls followed him in. Serena stopped about midway and gasped in delight at the exquisite draperies and elegant chandeliers, and the beautiful golden glow of the restaurant created by candles. "Miss? Miss?" the same receptionist asked as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Your friends have been already seated. Wouldn't you like to sit down?" he asked politely. "Oh...yes. I'm sorry." Serena apologized and followed him to their table as she gazed at the beauty of everything. "We lost you back there." Rei smiled as Serena sat down. "It's just that this restaurant is so....so magnificent. I can't even describe how beautiful everything is." Serena pulled her chair closer as a waiter walked to their table and passed out the menus. "Ooh.... I've got to try this dessert. Look at the layers and layers of chocolate....oh and fudge....oh and ripe strawberries...." Serena looked at each item excitedly while everyone giggled at her enthusiasm. "Ready?" the waiter came back 5 minutes later. "Yes. We'll all have iced tea with lemon. 5 orders of White Sashimi (soup), an order of Miso Shiru (steamed fish), and how many egg rolls come in one dish?" Rei asked. "8 miss." the waiter answered. "Ok, I guess make it two orders of Datemaki (egg rolls), and one dish of Tori Shinjo (chicken dumplings), rice, and that's...um...that's it." Rei ordered for everyone and smiled. "Alright. They'll be ready in ten minutes." he bowed. "Thank you." Serena said as he walked away. "They sound really good don't they?" Lita said as they waited for their food. "I haven't had a fancy meal in so long." Mina giggled. "I wonder how much everything would cost if we had to pay for it." Serena said to Rei as she counted up the orders. "Plus desert....I say more than $150." Rei calculated. "Really?" Serena looked stunned. Just then, another group walked into the restaurant and seated right across from Serena's table. "Thank you." Claire smiled as Darien pulled her chair out for her. Her uncle grinned happily. "Well this is a fantastic place don't you think Claire?" he asked. "Oh yes I love it here. How did you get reservations so quickly?" she asked as a waiter passed out the menus. "I knew the manger personally. He is my son's friend's father." he smiled proudly. "Now...let's order. Darien? Do you have preferences?" Darien looked through the list of appetizers. "I'm afraid I don't...." he suddenly stopped as his eyes fell on a lovely vision. There he was trying to forget about Serena, and by some strange coincidence, she was sitting right there in front of his eyes. "I'm sorry Darien? What was that?" the older man asked. "Um....I said I don't have any preferences." he looked down at his menu. When he looked up again, Serena was still there sitting and chatting with sophistication. She was in a lovely gown of cream silk and beads were sewn along the rims and the top part of her spaghetti strapped dress. The bottom came right below her knees and toeless strapped heels adorned her feet. Darien turned away, not wanting to look at Serena right now. It took all his self control not to run over there and kiss the living daylights out of her. "Darien? Did you hear me?" Claire asked as Darien snapped out of his daydream. "Huh? I'm sorry. I just have a lot of things on my mind." "That's alright. I just asked if you'd like some red wine?" she smiled. Claire was a beautiful brunette with stunning midnight black eyes and a wonderful personality, who any guy would want to take out. But despite all that, Darien's heart was aching for someone else....someone he had lost almost all hope of ever having. "Thank you!" Serena smiled to the waiter as he set her dish in front of her. "This soup looks really yummy." she licked her bottom lip and placed her napkin over her lap. Suddenly the spoon stopped right at her mouth as she gazed passed Ami...at Darien. He was with that girl again. "Serena. You're soup is going to be cold if you....." Rei turned towards the direction Serena was staring to find Darien chatting with an older man and a gorgeous young woman who seemed to adore him. She would absentmindedly touch his sleeve and smiled engagingly. "Oh I'm sorry Serena." Rei apologized. "I didn't know he was going to be here. Otherwise I would have chosen somewhere else...." she trailed off. "No Rei. I really...don't mind that he's here. I mean we're just friends that's all. There's nothing to get upset at." she babbled. "Maybe we should switch seats." Ami suggested. "Thanks guys for being concerned. But I am alright....I promise." she smiled to reassure them. "I'm hungry. Let's dig in." she said and took in a spoonful of her soup. The girls weren't really satisfied with her answer, but decided to drop it. "Oh I just heard that Melvin asked Molly out. And they went out to dinner together last night." Serena tactfully changed the subject. "Molly...and....and Melvin??" Mina made a face. "No way!" Lita added. "No I'm serious. I always wondered why she was always defending him and...and studying with him. She's liked him all this time and I had no idea." Serena continued on as everyone sweat dropped. While they were waiting for their food, Darien and Claire walked passed the girls' table and onto the dance floor. They seemed happy being in each other's arms as they waltzed to the string quintet playing against the far wall. "Don't look now, but there goes Darien and that girl." Lita whispered to Mina behind her hand when Serena wasn't paying attention. "How can he do such a thing. I can't believe he's just dancing with....with her like Serena isn't even here." Mina whispered back. "Ya I thought he cared about Serena. He sure seemed that way when he saved her from the accident." Lita scrunched her brow. "Men are so confusing." Mina sighed. "Hello!? What are you guys whispering about?" Serena asked curiously. "What?" Lita looked passed her at Darien and Claire. "Is someone you know here?" Serena turned around. "No...no we were just um....looking at all the draperies." Mina said quickly before Serena saw them. 'phew...' she sighed, relieved inwardly. "I wish I came here with a date. I'd love to dance." Serena giggled as she turned around to watch the orchestra. She suddenly froze in her spot. For a second or so, Serena and Darien made eye contact. Turning back quickly, Serena tried furiously to blink back her tears. "Um...excuse me guys. I just need some fresh air." Serena stuttered as she pushed her chair out and stood up. Wiping away a some tears that escaped her sorrowful eyes, she tossed her napkin on her chair and ran out of the room. "What are we going to do?" Ami shook her head. "I'm going to go talk to her." Lita stood up. "No." Rei stopped her. "She needs to be alone right now. When she needs someone to comfort her, we'll be here." Lita nodded in understanding and sat back down. "I hope she's alright." Mina sighed. 'Serena..' Darien watched longingly after her. A sudden twinge of pain shot through his heart as he let go of Claire, who was laying her head on his shoulder. "Something wrong Darien?" she asked confusedly. "Um....I can't be here." he said and looked down taking her hands. "Someone needs me right now. I'm sorry." he said apologetically. "It's her isn't it?" she asked. Even though Claire wasn't snobbish or selfish, she still had thought that Darien would be interested in her. "Her name is Serena." Darien answered with a small smile. "I understand." she gave him a quick hug. "Go before it's too late." Kissing her on the cheek, Darien gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you." he said and took after Serena. Running down the crowded hallway, Serena pushed through the double doors leading to the garden and collapsed on the soft grass. As much as she thought her eyes had run out of tears, more came as she sobbed heart brokenly. She knew deep inside that she cared about Darien. Of course she had silly crushes on other guys, but it's different with Darien. She never had wild butterflies in her stomach when she looked at other guys, not even Andrew. And her heart never leaped out of her chest when she saw other guys like she would when Darien smiles or touches her. Hiding behind some thick bushes, Serena hugged her legs to her body and cried miserably. Never has she ever felt so jealous and crushed. Never has she ever felt this great pain that ripped through her entire body. What was it about Darien that consistently draws her near to insanity? What was it about his smile, his handsome features, the way he softly sings to a crying baby? Even the way he teases her. "I just want to tell him...." Serena whimpered. "Tell him that I need him...." "I need you too." Raising her head at the deep voice, Serena found herself staring into the most beautiful, deep blue eyes. There was Darien, bending slightly forward with his hand extended towards her. Serena hesitated for a moment and looked into his face. Reaching out her own hand, she let Darien help her to her feet. Suddenly, she was pulled into his warm embrace, as Darien's strong arms wrapped around her petite body. "Darien..." she whimpered as she buried her head against his chest. "I missed you so much...." she confessed boldly. It didn't matter anymore what the consequences would be, she had to tell him how she felt. "I missed you too." he whispered in her ear and gently rocked them to ease her sobbing. Pulling away finally, Serena looked down, not wanting Darien to see her tears. With his finger under her chin, Darien tilted her head up to face him. "Don't be afraid to let me see you." he said softly as he wiped away her tears and caressed her rosy cheeks. "I guess I have a lot of explaining to do." he chuckled slightly. "No." Serena put her finger to his lips. "Don't say anything. I already knew." Darien seemed surprised for a second. "But how?" "Andrew told me. I'm sorry you had to go through all the...." "No." It was Darien's turn to silence her. "I have no regrets." he said sincerely as he ran his hand through her silky hair and stared into her sparkling eyes. "You look beautiful." he said as the timed lights lit up over them. "Even more so when you cry." he leaned in a little bit closer as Serena closed her eyes and placed her hands on the lapels of his tuxedo. Their lips were barely a millimeter away, trembling in anticipation. "Darien...." Serena murmured before..... "AHHHH! Get off of my leg!" someone yelled behind them. Darien let go of Serena as they leaned over the bushes. "Ah....hi guys....we uh....we were just enjoying the night....hee hee." Mina laughed nervously. "Would you mind Mina! You're sitting on my hair!" Rei yelled and pushed Mina to the side, making her fall on Lita in the process. "Ouch Mina!" she screamed. "I knew this was a bad idea." Ami babbled on. 'Well there goes another perfect moment.' Darien thought with a chuckle. Darien joined the girls for the rest of dinner as they chatted merrily on various subjects. "So you're planning to be a doctor huh?" Rei grinned as she elbowed Serena who looked down blushing. "I find that most intriguing. I myself plan to study overseas in the future as a medical doctor." Ami nodded as everyone just sweat dropped. Always count on Ami to be practical. "So how about you guys?" Darien asked directing his attention to Serena. "Well, I know I'm going to be a chef!" Lita leaned back on her chair lazily. "And then open up my own restaurant, hopefully as big as this one and have people from all over the world to taste my cooking." she grinned. "You better not let Serena in. She'll eat everything before you even open up!" Rei joked as Serena looked down blushing again. She was so nervous she couldn't even retort like usual when she and Rei start a tongue war. "I'd like to be a pianist and tour worldwide." Rei smiled. "I think I'll become a famous model and have men flock to my feet." Mina posed in her chair causing the waiters to give her strange looks as everyone laughed. "Are you going to the festival tonight?" Lita asked Darien as they enjoyed some delicious dessert. "I can't miss that." Darien smiled and wiped his mouth. "Oh hey! You can ride with us. We're going there on a limo. No way the celebrities are going to get all the glory!" Mina rubbed her hands and laughed evilly. "Ok Mina cut it out. You're starting to scare me." Lita said seriously, but ended up laughing. "Actually, Serena is riding with me." Darien said simply and looked across the table at Serena who blushed madly. The girls looked at Serena and Darien with a knowing smile. The invitation was quite clear. "In fact we should probably leave now." he stood up and tossed some tips on the table. "Serena?" he offered his arm to her as he came around the table. "Oh....ya." Serena smiled as she linked her arm with his. "See ya!" she winked innocently and let Darien lead her out of the room. "Just look at those two. What do think they're up to?" Lita giggled. "Lita! I think you should stop reading those romance novels." Rei groaned as Ami and Mina sweat dropped. "Oh the last one that I read yesterday about this guy..... the way he was described with brown hair and a tall frame....he probably looked just like my...." "Ex-BOYFRIEND!!!!" the girls yelled as the other guests turned in their seats and gave them strange looks. "What?" Lita shrugged as everyone bowed their heads. "So why did you say that I was riding with you?" Serena asked as they walked through the park. It was only 7 p.m., and the festival starts at 8. "Well, things always get in the way." Darien answered nonchalantly. "From what?" Serena was a little confused. "Um....well.. ...nothing I guess. I just wanted.....um.....some fresh air before.... ...this place is swamped with people." he stuttered. "That's all." Serena looked down, slightly disappointed. She had thought he was going to say...'Get in the way of kissing you.' "Well what are we going to do? The festival doesn't start in quite a long time." Serena asked. "I don't know. Maybe just walked around, enjoy the outdoors...." he trailed off as he absentmindedly took Serena's hand. They walked in a comfortable silence down the little path of the park. "Oh I know." Serena spoke up suddenly. "Let's go to the petting zoo." she let go of his hand and ran up ahead. "Last one there is a rotten egg!" Serena yelled and stuck out her tongue at Darien. "Alright you asked for it!" he laughed and ran towards her. If anything, he can run fast. He was picking up his pace and not far behind a screaming Serena. "You got a head start! I don't think that's fair!" Darien said with humor as he came right behind Serena and grabbed her waist making her shriek. "Ok, ok, you won!" she said breathlessly and turned to face Darien. "I guess I'm a rotten egg." Serena giggled. "We're not there yet." Darien chuckled and suddenly picked Serena up and carried her over his shoulder. Running at top speed, Serena grabbed on to Darien tuxedo frantically and screamed all the way to the petting zoo. Setting her down finally, Serena looked up to Darien with fake anger in her eyes. She personally enjoyed being swung over his shoulder and carried by him. But she wasn't going to admit that. "I can't believe you did that?" she pointed her finger in his face. "Like you didn't have fun." he smiled sheepishly. "Maybe, maybe not." she skipped over to the gate and put in some change into the little machine to get food for the goats and ducks. "Come on Darien. Pick him up like this." Serena laughed as she picked up a baby goat carefully and cuddled him to her softly. "He's so cute." she gently petted his head and fed him some wheat. Darien on the other hand was a little hesitant. "I think I'll just pet him." he chuckled and kneeled down beside Serena. Spending time with Serena was like nothing Darien's ever experienced. She was light and warm, and always giving. It never occurred to him before that she was this wonderful, stunning, and adorable girl. Shaking his head at himself, Darien walked off to another section of the petting zoo. Putting the goat down, Serena followed. "Something wrong?" she asked as she sat down beside him by the little pond. "No...for once everything is perfect." Darien turned and smiled at her warmly. "Good. I'm glad." Serena sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. "I've never had so much fun in my whole life." she said honestly. "with anyone." Darien smiled and leaned his head on top of hers. "That's exactly what I was thinking." Lacing her finger through Darien's, she looked up to him shyly. "Maybe we should do this again sometime." Darien brought the back of her hand to his lips and gently caressed her knuckles with a kiss. "I think that can be arranged." The day was getting dark as Serena and Darien walked hand in hand to the bond fire area. There were going to be skits, performances, and games, even a $500 shopping spree as a grand prize of a two person race. "We've got to win that!" Serena pointed to the poster of the two person race. "Wouldn't it be great if we can take the kids out to the toy store with that money? Can you even imagine their faces?" she asked Darien who smiled in return. "Does that mean I'm your partner?" he asked chuckling. "Of course. You can run fast. That'll boost our score really high." she beamed up at him. "I guess I can't say no to that." "Serena!" a girl ran frantically towards her. "Molly! What's the rush?" she asked worriedly. "I just heard that you were having dinner with this really gorgeous guy.....oh" she stopped and blushed as she realized that it was Darien and he was grinning at her. Taking Serena to one side, she whispered into her ear. "Is that him.... Darien?" she asked. "Y....yes. Why?" Molly sweat dropped. "Did you know that he refused every girl who's ever asked him out. I mean they were college girls....you know really beautiful, rich.....ah never mind." she stopped as Darien put his arms around Serena from the back and sat put chin on her shoulder. "Are you talking about me?" he asked purposely making Serena blush. "No....we were talking about Chad....ya ....ya....Chad and Rei." Serena stuttered. "I'll see you later." Molly said with a giggle. "Oh." she whispered to Serena. "He's such a babe." Serena put her hand over her face and groaned. "Who's a babe?" Darien asked Serena already knowing the answer. "No one. She was um...she was talking about someone else." she said quickly and turned around to face him. Reaching out with her hands, she played with the buttons of his dress shirt and accidentally touched the bandage on his chest. "Does it still hurt?" she asked and pulled back suddenly. "No.. ...it doesn't." he smiled to reassure her. "The doctor wanted to keep it on for my wounds to heal." Serena looked down regretfully. "I should have listened. I shouldn't have just concluded myself that you liked another girl. I mean...." She stopped as Darien chuckled at her. "What? What's so funny?" she asked. "Nothing....do you realize what you just said?" he smiled. "Yes....I said that I thought you liked another girl....oh." she looked down blushing. "What I meant to say was that um....I mean I really didn't care if you liked anyone else....why should I?" she stuttered uselessly. "But you do now?" he asked hopefully. Serena turned away embarrassed. She had just told him flat out that she liked him. "Well, we are friends aren't we?" she replied nervously. "Oh....I guess." Darien was a little disappointed. He had hoped that they could be more than just friends. "I guess that's good enough for me now." he smiled and took her hand leading her to the festival area. "Ahh....look at that!" Serena jumped up excitedly as lights lit up the dark park and made everything look like a magical place. "It's so beautiful!" she sighed and turned around. "I don't ever remember the past festivals being this lively." she giggled and laced her arm with his. "Let's go see if Rei and the others are here." she dragged him to the center of the park where most people were. "Rei! oh I see her. Rei!!!!!" she hollered and ran through the crowds of people with her arm still attached to Darien's. "Slow down Meatball head. I don't think these people want to go home injured." Darien laughed. Suddenly Serena stopped in her tracks. "What?" Darien asked confused by her action. "Nothing." she looked up to him with some kind of expression he could not define. The way he had said Meatball head was different from the other times in the past. It was nice, almost sweet like a nick name you give to a lover. "Let's go." Serena took his hand and walked to find her friends with a tiny smile on her lips. For the rest of the night, it was like a dream to Serena. She and Darien competed in the two person race and ended up tied with another couple. So the only fair thing to do was to spit the prize money. But that didn't matter to either of them. $250 was enough to buy toys for the kids and take them to Kiddy Land, a popular amusement park for little kids. "Uh hum!" an announcer came on stage with a big smile as everyone quieted down to listen. "Tonight has been fantastic hasn't it?" he asked and the crowd cheered and hooted. "We always dread when having to end and say goodbye. But....we were able to have someone very special to perform one last time for us. She's a very talented young lady and I'm sure you'll love her singing as much as I do. Ladies and gentlemen, give applause to the beautiful Rei Hino!!!!!!" he gestured as Rei walked onto the stage. "Rei!!! Oh my goodness she never told me she was going to perform tonight." Serena jumped up and down clapping vigorously for Rei just like everyone else. Rei took a bow and sat down at a black grand piano. "Good evening." she nodded with a smile. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight. All the benefits and money earned today will go to selected charities. This was a great cause and also the greatest festival we have ever had in Tokyo." People cheered crazily. "To end this program I would like to sing a song that I wrote called Oh Starry Night." she nodded and turned to the piano. A soft melody begin to play as Rei's expert fingers softly stroke the keys. The orchestra in the back lightly added the harmony. The music was smooth, and relaxing as people swayed to the rhythm. I've waited all of my life For the day when love appears Like a fairytale in days gone by He will rescue me from my fears And now...I feel him standing close to me And how...can I tell him what he means to me My heart stands still...has he come Oh starry night Is this the moment I dream of Oh starry night Tell me is he my own true love Every night I think of him Here in my lonely room Waiting for my prince to come Wondering if he'll be here soon And I sit patiently waiting for a sign And I hope that his heart longs for mine He calls my name, is he the one Oh starry night, Is this the moment I dream of Oh starry night, Tell me is he my own true love Oh starry night Is he the one that I dream of Oh starry night How will I know Will his love show Is my own true love The song was beautiful and moving as Serena just stood there stunned. The lyrics were so simple and plain, but the meaning it conveyed was so much more. Was she really waiting for that someone? Was that someone Darien? She felt nothing but pure love in her heart for him at that moment. It was simple and obvious that she loved him dearly. Never has she ever imagined her one true love would be him. She looked up to Darien and smiled. He was touched by the song also. Darien's mouth was slightly opened as if it was hard for him to breathe. And in a way it was. The song brought out his own true feelings for Serena. And suddenly he realized that he has fallen for her. As much as the thought scared him that he'd ever love someone, it also gave him an excited and warm feeling in his heart. He caught Serena gaze and smiled down lovingly at her. The evening glow from the tiny lights above them made Serena look peaceful and content. And that was exactly how she felt. Scooting closer to Darien, Serena laid her head on his shoulder. "Darien?" she asked timidly, a little afraid. "Hum?" he answered and looked down to her serene face. "Just hold me." she whispered. Darien soften up and his heart melted at her request. Wrapping his arms around her body, he gently ran his hands over her back as their bodies molded together. Serena laid her head on his chest and was surprised to feel his heart beat as fast as her own. Maybe his heart longed for hers too? As the song came to an end, everyone was stunned. No one said anything for a few seconds as they watched the lights go off on the stage as Rei hit the last note on the piano. Then it drifted into nothingness. Suddenly the whole crowd cheered wildly and stood up for a standing ovation. Rei was truly a wonder. Her song was forever embedded into each of their souls. It was a song of hope that true love does in fact exist. "Thank you." she said with a smile and bowed to the audience who still hasn't stopped clapping yet. "Good night everyone!" she waved as the rest of the performers stepped onto the stage and joined hands in a straight line with Rei in the middle. They all bowed at one time causing everyone to cheer and clap even louder. The cheering, clapping, and whistling finally died down as Rei and the rest of them existed the stage. But as soon as she was backstage, people rushed in and asked for her autograph. "Oh thank you." she gladly signed everyone of them. 'I actually have fans!' she thought excitedly. This was the best night of her life. The end! Just kidding. I wouldn't leave it unfinished. Well what do you think so far? Oh before I forget, I'd like to say something important. I had received more mail than I thought I'd get from Fire From Within. And I have to thank everyone who read it and wrote me with their encouraging and wonderful heartfelt comments. It really made me really happy. So Thank you!! Oh and one more thing: The food items I included in this chapter are actual, authentic Japanese dishes. I didn't make them up. Just thought I should tell you that. Well stay tuned for the last chapter next week!